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The following is a letter of encouragement from God. Why not try this spiritual practice? After reading the letter, write your own.
Letter of Encouragement from God
I made you a special person. I gave you the seed of specialness when we were in your mother’s womb together. That is why I am working to help you claim yourself, as you are. That seed is still there; it has not died from neglect. You have been told: “You’re not good enough,” “That’s not right,” “Why didn’t you do…?”. At times you longed to hear, “I love you,” “That was good,” “Just be yourself,” “Relax, you are able to handle this, for you are wise and strong,”… Instead, you had to agree to fit in, or you were punished, and you were loved only as long as you agreed with others. You learned the reality that even in the churches, much so-called love is selfish and fickle, not true and faithful. Now, it is time to release all this from the past and return to your special Self, for you are special, and there are many persons who truly love you, as you are, now. Many persons cherish what they receive when you are being true to yourself. They need you and that gift of yourself. You need to give that special self to those you live with and serve, your girlfriend, your family, and the world. That is how you witness of Christ. You do not have to live confined in the prison of yesteryears. Your heart pines for this return to loving and claiming yourself. You do not have to please others by denying yourself. Claim your specialness: I have already claimed it for you. Claiming your specialness will not be a straight road. The process will get messy. That is okay. To return to what I made you takes time, patience, and forgiving yourself when you fail.
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You will need dear and faithful friends. I will give them to you. Then, you must be willing to accept their love and help, as well as wise guidance. You have to remember the childlikeness that was buried and lost along the way. Other persons will not understand what is going on. They will be threatened by your claiming your specialness. They might wonder if you need counseling or have a mental problem that needs addressing with medication. Some will think you are being untrue to the faith. Some will think you are just stubborn and rebellious. Some will question your fitness for the work I give you to do. These people have never taken the journey I am calling you to, and some have lost all touch with their own authenticity and specialness. Rather than get angry with them, feel compassion for them. Pray for them to take the journey home. Maybe some will, by seeing you do it. Just call on me when the road is hard and confusing, for I am nearby to come to your aid at any time. Often a friend can help you, but sometimes you will need my help. We will get back, together, and I will give you guidance as you grow that seed of specialness into something very Beautiful, a Garden of Joy.
OneLife Ministries is a pastoral outreach and nurture ministry of the First United Methodist Church, Fort Meade, FL. For Spiritual Direction, Pastoral Counseling, spiritual formation workshops, Christian meditation retreats, or more information about OneLife, write Rev. Dr. Brian K. Wilcox at briankwilcox@comcast.net.
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